PARIS – More than 100 items are up for auction as the SAD 17 head custodians, director of facilities and maintenance, and volunteers gear up again to raise money for their annual scholarship program.

Doors open at 11 a.m. at the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School on March 15, and the Chinese auction, which features scores of items, from heating oil to gift certificates, will begin at 1 p.m.

Hot dogs, soda and other foods, including a bake sale, will be available at the auction.

The 10 head custodians, the director of facilities and maintenance, and volunteers work each year to raise money for the scholarship that was started by the head custodians in 2002 to support student educational efforts.

“We wanted to do something for the students,” head custodian Verna Raye said.

Last year, the scholarship fund provided $500 scholarships to 10 students. “We have raised $5,000 for the past three years to allow us to give 10 $5,000 scholarships,” said Raye. To date they have raised $18,250 for the fund.

Students who want to compete for a scholarship must fill out an application – available through the high school guidance office – and explain where they hope to continue their education, what their community service has been, and so forth. A committee of four to five custodians review the applications annually, Raye said.

The deadline to apply is May 1.

This year the Chinese auction will include 100 gallons of heating oil donated by Dead River, a vacuum cleaner, two 250 Race tickets to Oxford Plains, a $200 gift certificate from ABC Rubbish, a quilt, carpet machine, and cross-country skis donated by Carters.

The colorful quilt was made by Rachel Malone, whose daughter Margaret Craig works in the central office. “She makes us a quilt every year,” Raye said.

Other items include a chicken soup gift box set, slippers, mailbox, a Mary Kay bag, rechargeable screwdriver, calendars, model vehicles, a leather pocketbook, gift certificates to Pizza Hut and area stores, four Sea Dogs tickets, and other items.